1,2-Propanediol 1,2-diacetate, often showing up as a colorless to pale yellow liquid or sometimes appearing in flakes or crystals depending on temperature, comes from the esterification of propylene glycol with acetic acid. You will run into this chemical in labs and industry as a solvent or intermediate, rarely alone but more often as part of larger chemical formulas. It attracts attention for its specific mix of physical and chemical properties, standing out in both research and manufacturing because of its predictable structure and stable behavior. The HS Code that tracks international trade lists it as 2915390090, and you notice strict controls around it since regulatory bodies tie everything back to its molecular formula, C7H12O4.
Take a closer look and you'll find the molecular weight settles in at 160.17 g/mol, a telltale value for calculations involving mixtures or process controls. As a liquid, 1,2-propanediol 1,2-diacetate sports a measured density of about 1.118 g/cm3 at room temperature. Its structure, featuring two acetate groups bonded to a propane backbone, explains not just the physical state but a lot about how it dissolves or interacts with other chemicals. You can sometimes spot this substance in the form of powder, pearls, or even as a crystalline solid, though liquid remains the most commonly purchased variant. Its boiling point rises past 230°C, and it holds up under a lot of lab conditions, which brings confidence for people working in chemical synthesis or material formulations.
Looking at diagrams or molecular models, you notice the two acetate groups attached at the ends of a propanediol backbone, which establishes both the formula C7H12O4 and some helpful attributes. The arrangement lets it serve as an effective solvent but keeps it less volatile than many alternatives. The structure also locks in specific reactivity, especially in esterification or transesterification reactions. In practical use, chemists often reach for this material because its molecular formula delivers a mix of predictability and reactivity. It shows up in discussions about green chemistry because the molecular structure makes it a reasonable candidate as a raw material for new specialty solvents.
Producers and importers describe 1,2-propanediol 1,2-diacetate by tight specifications, not just for purity but for water content, acidity as acetic acid, and appearance. Many suppliers publish specs with purity levels above 98 percent and moisture readings below 0.5 percent to guarantee performance in sensitive reactions. You find it as a starting material in organic synthesis, a carrier in resins, or an additive for inks and coatings. Properties like high boiling point and miscibility with other solvents open up more uses, from industrial cleaning formulations to complex pharmaceutical intermediates. It competes directly with other glycol diacetates when properties like density and chemical stability matter.
Depending on temperature and specific manufacturing process, you can get 1,2-propanediol 1,2-diacetate as a crystal, liquid, flake, or even as pearls for easier handling. The solid and flake forms come out during lower temperature storage or during shipping. In industrial plants, staff often prefer the liquid for its ease of incorporation into blends, but powdered or pelletized versions show up at manufacturers focused on exact dosing for specialty chemicals or plastics. Plants storing this chemical measure it out by the liter or kilogram, taking comfort in its straightforward consistency and ease of weighing or transfer.
Propylene glycol and acetic acid count as the core raw materials used in making 1,2-propanediol 1,2-diacetate. Quality control for both inputs really shapes the downstream properties, something that matters during audits or regulatory reviews. With a drive toward cleaner and greener chemistry, some producers look for bio-based or renewable-source glycols as starting points, hoping to carve out a margin in markets that reward lower carbon footprints. Large chemical suppliers stick to well-established pipelines, and competition shows up in pricing, purity, and supply reliability. Documentation always traces back to the batch level, ready for inspection.
Handling and storage practices around 1,2-propanediol 1,2-diacetate draw heavily on the chemical’s stable, dense liquid nature. Workers move it in drums or tanks, watching for leaks since even small spills create slippery spots. Temperature control matters mostly to keep the substance from crystallizing or clumping, especially in cold warehouses or transit during winter months. Density checks help fill bulk tanks to spec. Material data safety sheets underscore the need for tight lids to avoid contamination and keep moisture out, protecting the product’s valuable purity.
You have to treat 1,2-propanediol 1,2-diacetate with respect like any industrial solvent or reagent. Exposure risks include eye and skin irritation, especially with repeated or high-concentration contact. Inhalation of vapors or mist creates respiratory discomfort. Regulatory filings treat this chemical as hazardous under many safety schemes, including GHS criteria, so gloves, goggles, and effective ventilation form the backbone of good handling practice. In Europe and the U.S., it falls under chemical inventory controls, and workers need training not just for emergency spills but for disposal. Emissions or disposal demand compliance with local rules, sometimes requiring incineration with strict controls on air emissions. Companies invest in fume extraction and splash protection; even brand-new staff get walked through emergency response steps.
Contact with skin or eyes burns or irritates, so quick access to running water helps. Ingesting even a small amount leads to stomach upset, and inhaling literature-grade dust or mist produces temporary cough or chest discomfort. Over time, repeated contact poses a risk for dermatitis or lung irritation—common with many esters. Environmental impact draws scrutiny; accidental release into waterways runs risks for aquatic life. Companies set up secondary containment and spill response plans, aiming to stop any harm before it spreads beyond the factory fence. Local communities pay close attention when factories increase production or upgrade storage, knowing that safety depends on more than just paperwork.
Many chemical manufacturing plants now lean toward tighter process controls and closed-system transfers to cut exposure risks. Training for everyone—from seasoned plant operators down to lab interns—keeps incidents rare, but every company faces a learning curve. Routine maintenance, frequent equipment checks, and clear labeling stop confusion during quick handling or emergency response. Upgrades to waste management and air handling systems keep tail emissions under government limits, with companies investing in better monitoring and fast leak detection. A steady shift toward raw materials from renewable sources keeps carbon output lower, even as industry users demand higher purity and better traceability. Every link in the supply chain, from raw material sourcing to end user, bears responsibility to handle, store, and dispose of 1,2-propanediol 1,2-diacetate safely, all while supporting innovations that make industrial chemistry safer for both people and the planet.
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